Acer Aspire P3 vs. Surface Pro: Convertible tablet spec showdown

Microsoft still owns the biggest chunk of the desktop operating system market, but it just can’t seem to convert its user base over to mobile. Despite Windows 8 running essentially in full form on Surface Pro tablets, the device just hasn’t been able to capture much market share. Perhaps it’s the price; maybe it’s the internal storage controversy that revealed the device has significantly less available space than advertised; or maybe it’s the fact the Surface was just a little late to the game. Whatever is causing the lag behind in Surface Pro’s success, now it has something else to worry about: Competition. Acer has unveiled its Aspire P3, a convertible tablet that runs Windows 8. How do the two compare? Let’s find out.

Surface Pro

Acer Aspire P3

Starting Price

$900

$800

OS

Windows 8

Windows 8

Processor

Dual-core 1.7GHz Intel Core i5

Dual-core 1.4GHz Intel Core i3 or i5

RAM

4GB

2GB or 4GB

Display

10.6-inch LCD

11.6-inch LCD

Resolution

1920 x 1080 pixels

1366 x 768 pixels

Dimensions (WxDxH)

10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 inches

11.63 x 7.5 x 0.39 inches

Weight

32 oz

28 oz

Graphics

Intel HD 4000

Intel HD 4000

Bluetooth

Yes, 4.0

Yes, 4.0

Wi-Fi

802.11 a/b/g/n

802.11 b/g/n

Camera

Front: 1.2MP, Rear: 1.2MP

Front: 1.2MP, Rear: 5MP

USB 3.0

Yes

Yes

Video capabilities

720p recording

720p recording

Internal storage

64GB/128GB

60GB/120GB

SD card slot

Yes

Yes

Max. battery life

5 hours

6 hours

It’s honestly kind of difficult to make a call on these devices based solely off the information on the spec sheet. They are very similar in a lot of ways. Only time (and a full review of the device) will tell if the Aspire P3 runs in to the same issues that Microsoft’s Surface Pro was stifled by. If you’re looking to save a couple bucks and are willing to make the step down to what appears to be a budget option in the Windows 8 tablet market, the Acer will probably suit you just fine. Then again, a small step up in price will net you a little boost in specs on the Surface Pro. Sturdiness, functionality, and performance are likely what will set these devices apart, but the numbers really don’t. We’ll know more about the P3 in the coming weeks.